At the 2004 CEPI Workshop in Wagmatcook, six issues were identified as priorities to be addressed by collaborative planning and management. These issues are as follows: water quality; fisheries; forestry; land use and development; invasive species; climate change.
The Bras d’Or Lakes CEPI, with funding and the in-kind support from its partners, is currently conducting three research projects in the watershed.
- An inventory and assessment of barachois ponds started in 2013 continues, with nearly 150 ponds having been visited so far.
- Water quality and sediment quality samples are being analyzed from each of the six oyster sanctuaries in the Bras d’Or, to examine what land practices might be affecting the oysters.
- The CEPI also supports UINR’s Joint Enforcement Patrol program which educates pleasure craft operators on public safety and environmental stewardship of the Lakes (e.g. proper sewage disposal).
The upcoming CEPI conference is bringing together the people of Cape Breton Island and others from across the country to discuss and determine best sustainable practices focusing on six pillars: Forestry; Agriculture; Aquaculture; Mining; Tourism and Alternative Energy.
The conference outcomes will determine the next steps.
